Presidential Candidates Summary Profile

Explainer: Politics of Sierra Leone

By Theo Edwards; Powered by BARD, a Google AI Software

Here is a closer look at the profiles of each candidate and their respective parties in the upcoming Sierra Leone presidential elections on June 24, 2023.

Dr. Samura Wilson Mathew Kamara, APC

An economist who served as a candidate for the All People’s Congress (APC) Party in the 2018 Sierra Leone presidential election. Before his candidacy, Kamara held several prominent positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone from 2012 to 2017, Minister of Finance and Economic Development from 2009 to 2013, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2009, and Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance during President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah’s administration. Although unsuccessful in his bid for the presidency, Kamara’s political experience and economic expertise be influential within the APC.

Dr. Julius Maada Bio, SLPP _ Incumbent

A retired brigadier in the Sierra Leone Army has served as the President of Sierra Leone since April 4, 2018. He rose to prominence as the military head of state of Sierra Leone from January 16, 1996, to March 29, 1996, during his tenure as part of the National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC). As the candidate of the main opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) during that time, Bio emerged victorious in the runoff vote of the 2018 Sierra Leonean presidential election, defeating Samura Mathew Kamara of the ruling All People’s Congress (APC) with 51.8% of the votes. Both international and local observers declared the election to be free and fair. Bio succeeded Ernest Bai Koroma as president, taking on the responsibility of leading the nation forward.

Charles Francis Margai, PMDC

A prominent figure in Sierra Leonean politics and leader; of the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) _he previously ran as a candidate for the presidency in the August 2007 elections, where he secured third place with 10% of the vote. Margai is the son of Albert Margai, a former Prime Minister of Sierra Leone, and the nephew of Milton Margai, the country’s first Prime Minister. Although he received less than 3% of the votes in the 2012 and 2018 presidential elections, Margai continues to play an active role in shaping the political landscape of Sierra Leone.

Abdulahi Dougakoro Saccoh, RUFP

He brings a unique blend of political and professional experiences. Before being selected as the flag bearer for RUFP, Saccoh served as the party’s spokesperson. The RUFP, emerged in the aftermath of Sierra Leone’s decade-long civil war, has been active in the country’s political landscape for several years.

Saccoh’s professional background includes being a fellow of the Gemological Association and Gem Testing Lab of Great Britain. He pursued his studies in Gemology and Diamond Grading in England and later worked in the United States before assuming his position in the RUFP. Beyond his political and professional commitments, Saccoh is actively involved in various organizations, including the N’Ko Movement of Sierra Leone, which advocates for preserving local languages and learning with African alphabet. He also serves as the Deputy Chair of MANDEN N MAYA BOLON, an organization dedicated to upholding ancient ancestral values, beliefs, and religion. Additionally, Saccoh leads Sierra Leone for SANUN JARA (Golden Lion), an organization comprising 14 African countries.

Mohamed Chernoh Bah, NDA

The chosen presidential candidate for the Democratic Alliance (NDA) will represent the party in the upcoming elections. Bah previously led the NDA during the 2018 elections, where the party secured 17,748 votes, equivalent to 0.96% of the total votes. This year, he has selected Madam Saudatu Turay as his running mate.

Nabieu Musa Kamara, PLP

Development and maintenance of peace in Sierra Leone. With his running mate, Saidu A.K. Mannah. Musa aims to address issues that are facing the nation and promote a peaceful and prosperous future.

With a commitment to development, Musa envisions a future where the country experiences substantial growth and progress. His party, the PLP, has laid out comprehensive plans to address the key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and the economy. Musa believes that investing in these areas not only improves the lives of citizens but also; propels the nation toward prosperity.

Prince Coker, PDP

A seasoned politician and influential figure assume the role of Chairman and Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming elections. With his running mate, Ibrahim Jalloh, by his side, Coker aims to build on the party’s legacy of progress and unity.

Having been formed in the 1990s, the PDP established itself as a significant political force with notable achievements. Coker played a pivotal role in the party’s rise to prominence and continues to advocate for its core values of democracy, inclusivity, and social justice.

Coker’s experience extends beyond the PDP. He also served as the Chairman of the All Political Parties Association (APPA), demonstrating his ability to bridge the gaps between political factions and promote collaboration for the greater good.

Saa Henry Kabuta, UNPP

With Gabriel Samuka as his Vice Presidential Candidate. Kabuta, a Senior Advisor/Specialist in Water Quality and Nature Management at the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management in the Netherlands, has been involved as a board member of Holland-Sierra Trading, promoting trade connections between the Netherlands and Sierra Leone.

Mohamed Sowa Turay, UDM

Turay currently; serves as Chairman and Leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) Party, joined by Madam Olivette Walker as his running mate. Turay’s extensive background includes working at the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), and he previously held positions as a Social Worker at Catholic Relief Services and a CLTS facilitator with Help Salone. His involvement with the National Agency for International Migration and Development focused on the topics such as youth empowerment, employment security management (ESMS), and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives.

Jonathan Patrick Sandy, URP

Jonathan P.J. Sandy, the presidential candidate for the National Unity and Reconciliation Party (NURP), boasts an extensive career spanning over 25 years in promoting democratic and economic governance, justice, human rights, and the rule of law. Sandy has held various positions within the Government of Sierra Leone, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)/UNDP, the African Union, and the UN/World Bank. His expertise has focused on crisis and stabilization interventions in conflict and fragile states-across Africa, with recent involvement in the South African Development Community (SADC). Sandy’s vast experience positions him as a candidate well-versed in regional and international affairs.

Iye Kakay, ADP

She made history by becoming the first woman to be selected as the ADP’s presidential flagbearer since its establishment in 2015 by its founder, Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray. With her running mate, Franklyn Kobi, Kakay aims to bring about positive change and progress in the country.

Beresford Victor Williams, ReNIP

Beresford Victor Williams has garnered attention for his vocal criticism of the government's various economic and social issues. Williams assumed leadership of the Revolutionary National Independent Party (ReNIP) on January 7th, 2018, after the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) granted the party clearance to contest the 2018 elections. Although ReNIP secured 2,555 votes nationwide, representing 0.10% of the total votes. The party did not secure any seats in Parliament.

Mohamed Jonjo, CDP

Run alongside him as his Vice Presidential Candidate is Madam Kaday Johnson. Jonjo brings valuable experience, having previously served as a Senior Advisor/Specialist in Water Quality and Nature Management at the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management in the Netherlands. Moreover, he played a vital role as a board member of Holland-Sierra Trading, fostering trade links between the Netherlands and Sierra Leone.